Army Reinforces Kebbe, Warns Lakurawa Terrorists

The Nigerian Army has strengthened security operations in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State following growing concerns over the activities of the Lakurawa terrorist group and a reported attack on Ungushi community.

The incident heightened fears among residents and increased calls for stronger military presence around Kebbe town and surrounding communities.

In response, the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna, on Sunday visited the Forward Operating Base in Kebbe and other affected communities to assess the security situation and review the readiness of troops.

The Army said the visit was aimed at preventing Kebbe and neighbouring communities from becoming a corridor or safe haven for terrorists operating along the Sokoto-Kebbi axis.

During the visit, Koughna met community leaders and residents, listened to their concerns and assured them that troops remained fully deployed and alert.

He said the Army would not allow terrorist elements to establish a foothold in the area or threaten the lives, property and livelihoods of residents.

The GOC also directed adjustments to the security arrangements around vulnerable communities considered susceptible to terrorist infiltration and attacks.

He urged residents not to panic, assuring them that security forces were firmly on the ground and committed to protecting the communities.

However, Koughna stressed that military operations alone cannot completely defeat terrorism without the cooperation of local residents.

He therefore appealed to community leaders, traditional rulers and residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious movements, unfamiliar persons and other activities that could threaten peace.

According to him, such cooperation would help security agencies detect, disrupt and dismantle terrorist networks before they carry out attacks.

The renewed military posture comes amid growing concerns over Lakurawa activities in parts of the North-West, particularly communities around the Sokoto-Kebbi border corridor.

Koughna urged the people of Kebbe to remain vigilant, law-abiding and united with security forces.

He warned terrorists and criminal elements that Kebbe would not be surrendered to them, insisting that the Army would leave no room for a terrorist safe haven.

The Army also reassured residents that it would maintain a strong operational presence in the area and continue adapting its strategies to emerging security threats.

The operational assessment was contained in a statement issued on August 16, 2026, by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

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